Bible Versions and Translations

American Standard Version

The American Standard Version (ASV), published in 1901, is a revision of the English Revised Version (ERV) with a focus on American English usage. Produced by a committee of American scholars under the American Revision Committee, the ASV is renowned for its scholarly accuracy and literal approach to translation. It closely adheres to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts and was one of the first translations to consistently use "Jehovah" to denote the Tetragrammaton in the Old Testament. The ASV has significantly influenced the development of later Bible translations and remains highly respected in biblical scholarship.

The American Standard Version (ASV) is in the public domain. This edition was sourced from OpenBible.com and released under a CC0 License. You are free to copy, adapt, and share this text for commercial or non-commercial use.

Beza's Greek New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – Παραδεδεγμένο Κείμενο τοῦ Βέζα)

Theodor Beza's Greek New Testament, published in ten editions between 1565 and 1611 with four principal editions in 1565, 1582, 1588-9, and 1598, was instrumental in refining the Textus Receptus. As a prominent Reformed theologian and successor to John Calvin, Beza included annotations, his own Latin translation, and Jerome's Latin Vulgate. He utilized several Greek manuscripts, notably Codex Bezae and Codex Claromontanus, yet his printed text remained close to the received text of his time. Beza's editions were foundational for subsequent English Bible translations, particularly influencing the King James Version, and exemplified rigorous textual analysis combined with a commitment to theological clarity.

Theodor Beza's Greek New Testament (1598 edition) is in the public domain.

Berean Study Bible

The Berean Study Bible (BSB) is a new English translation that emphasizes transparency and root meanings by connecting each word back to its original Greek or Hebrew. Crafted for public reading, study, memorization, and evangelism, the BSB is based on the best available manuscripts and scholarly sources. This edition includes the full text, footnotes, section headings, and cross-references. Unlike traditional study Bibles, it does not contain in-text commentary or study aids but provides these resources online and through various apps and software. Licensing for use in websites, apps, software, and audio is available for free.

The Berean Study Bible (BSB) is in the public domain as of April 30, 2023. The text is licensed for free use in websites, apps, software, and audio. For more information, visit Berean Bible Licensing.

Brenton's Greek Septuagint (1851) (Ἡ Παλαιὰ Διαθήκη κατὰ τοὺς Ἑβδομήκοντα – τοῦ Μπρέντον)

Brenton's Greek Septuagint, originally published in English translation in 1844 by Samuel Bagster & Sons in London. This Greek text (based on Codex Vaticanus) used by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton was available by 1870.

Brenton's Greek Septuagint (1870) is in the public domain.

King James Version (1611)

The King James Bible, authorized by King James I of England in 1604, was completed in 1611 by a team of over fifty scholars. They utilized previous translations like the Tyndale New Testament, the Matthews Bible, the Great Bible, and the Geneva Bible. This comprehensive effort sought to unify and stabilize the religious landscape of England, catering to diverse groups from Puritans to Traditionalists. The translation is noted for its majestic prose and has had a profound influence on English-speaking Christianity and culture. This 1611 edition, now in the public domain, remains a foundational text for study and worship, reflecting the text as originally published without modern alterations.

Louis Segond (La Sainte Bible – Version Louis Segond 1910)

The Louis Segond Bible, translated by Swiss theologian Louis Segond, is one of the most popular French Protestant Bibles. The translation was first completed in 1880 and was based on the original Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Greek Textus Receptus. The 1910 edition further refined the language for greater accuracy and readability, solidifying its place as a reliable and widely accepted text for French-speaking Protestant communities.

The Louis Segond Bible (1910) is in the public domain. Text sourced from Bible SuperSearch.

Byzantine Textform Greek New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη)

The New Testament in the Original Greek: Byzantine Textform, edited by Maurice A. Robinson and William G. Pierpont, was first published in 1991. This edition presents a text based on the Byzantine Majority text tradition and was released into the public domain to ensure unrestricted access. Emphasizing textual decisions by collating with previous standard texts like Stephanus (1550), it aims to reproduce a text closely aligned with the traditional Byzantine manuscript majority. The edition includes comprehensive variant readings from both Byzantine and Nestle-Aland traditions, enabling wider dissemination and application. The editors focus on creating a critically robust edition without implying doctrinal agreement with the use of their text.

The Greek New Testament According to the Byzantine Textform, edited by Maurice A. Robinson and William G. Pierpont, has been released into the public domain. This edition is freely available for use, modification, and distribution for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. Source: Byzantine Majority Text GitHub repository. For more information, see the Unlicense.

Nestle's 1904 Novum Testamentum Graece (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – τοῦ Νέστλε (1904))

The 1904 edition of Novum Testamentum Graece by Eberhard Nestle marks a pivotal step in the development of modern critical texts of the New Testament. It synthesized readings from earlier critical editions by Tischendorf, Westcott-Hort, and Weiss, resolving differences by majority alignment. While less comprehensive than later Nestle-Aland editions, it laid the foundation for future refinements, including the expanded apparatus introduced by Erwin Nestle and later collaborations with Kurt Aland. Although newer editions like NA28 incorporate more recently discovered manuscripts, the 1904 text remains a significant milestone in textual scholarship, bridging 19th-century efforts with the modern critical tradition.

Nestle's 1904 edition of the Novum Testamenum Graece is in the public domain.

New Testament Patriarchal Text (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – Πατριαρχικὸ Κείμενο)

The Patriarchal Text (PT), also known as the Antoniades Text, Patriarchal Greek New Testament, or Ecclesiastical Text, is an official edition of the New Testament published by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on February 22, 1904. It is a representative of the Byzantine text-type, primarily based on manuscripts from the 9th to the 16th centuries.

The New Testament Patriarchal Text (NTPT) is in the public domain.

Reina Valera 1909

The Reina-Valera 1909 is a Spanish translation of the Bible, originally based on the "Biblia del Oso" (Bear Bible) produced in 1569 by Casiodoro de Reina. It was first revised in 1602 by Cipriano de Valera, who updated the translation using the Hebrew Masoretic Text and the Greek Textus Receptus. The 1909 revision is one of the key editions and is in the public domain. This Bible has played a significant role in Spanish-speaking Protestant Christianity and has undergone several updates, including major revisions in 1960, 1995, and 2011.

SBL Greek New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη)

The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition, also known as the SBL Greek New Testament, is a critically edited edition of the Greek New Testament published by Logos Bible Software and the Society of Biblical Literature in October 2010. It was edited by Michael W. Holmes. It is also published in paperback form.

Stephanus New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – Παραδεδεγμένο Κείμενο τοῦ Στεφάνου)

Published in four editions - three in Paris (1546, 1549, 1550) and one in Geneva (1551) - Stephanus' Greek New Testament was notably supported by the French government, especially in the elaborately printed Paris editions. The 1550 Paris edition, known as "Editio Regia" for its royal patronage and elegance, was the first to include a critical apparatus listing variant readings from 14 Greek manuscripts and the Complutensian Polyglot, advancing textual criticism. The 1551 Geneva edition innovatively introduced numbered verses to the Greek text, a practice devised by Stephanus during his travels. Stephanus' work greatly influenced subsequent Greek New Testaments and was foundational for later translations, including those used in the Geneva Bible and by Beza, crucially shaping the 'Textus Receptus' and future Protestant biblical scholarship.

The Stephanus New Testament (TR1550) is in the public domain.

Jewish Publication Society Tanakh (1917)

The JPS Tanakh 1917 edition, also known as the Old JPS (OJPS), is an early 20th-century English translation of the Hebrew Bible. Produced by a committee from major Jewish institutions in the U.S., this translation relied on the Revised Version and American Standard Version, which were based on the King James Version. The translators aimed to remove Christian theological interpretations and incorporate traditional Jewish exegesis, making it a distinctly Jewish translation. The OJPS uses somewhat archaic language, reminiscent of the KJV, to maintain a solemn and reverent tone. This edition became a foundational text for Jewish religious and educational settings, greatly influencing Jewish life in America.

The JPS Tanakh (1917) is in the public domain.

Textus Receptus - Elzevir Bible (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – Παραδεδεγμένο Κείμενο τοῦ Ἐλζεβίρ)

Elzevir Bible (1624, 1633, 1641), published by the Elzevir family, synthesized Erasmus's 1522 edition and Beza's editions of 1588-89 and 1598 into a text that became the standard Textus Receptus. The 1633 edition coined the term "Textus Receptus," promoting it as the received text of the Greek New Testament. Known for their typographical excellence, the Elzevir editions were smaller, affordable, and widely accessible, significantly influencing major translations and solidifying the Textus Receptus as the authoritative text for future Protestant biblical scholarship. Their work played a crucial role in the dissemination of the Greek New Testament during a pivotal time in European religious and cultural history.

The Elzevir Bible, AKA Textus Receptus (TR1624), is in the public domain.

Tischendorf New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – τοῦ Τίσεντορφ)

Tischendorf's New Testament (Novum Testamentum Graece), first published in 1869, is a critical edition renowned for its meticulous reconstruction of the New Testament text. Utilizing ancient manuscripts, particularly the Codex Sinaiticus, Tischendorf aimed to present the most authentic version of the New Testament. His work set new standards in textual criticism by emphasizing the earliest available sources and thorough manuscript comparison. This edition significantly influenced subsequent biblical translations and editions, marking a pivotal advancement in the field of biblical scholarship.

Tischendorf's Novum Testamentum Graece (first published 1869) is in the public domain.

Tregelles Greek New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – Ἔκδοσις Τρεγέλλης)

Samuel Prideaux Tregelles was an influential English biblical scholar whose meticulous work focused on creating a critical edition of the Greek New Testament. Born into a Quaker family and later associated with the Plymouth Brethren and Presbyterianism, Tregelles dedicated his life to biblical studies and textual criticism. Unlike the commonly used Textus Receptus, his Greek New Testament, published between 1857 and 1872, was based on ancient manuscripts and citations from early Church Fathers, aiming for a text closer to the original autographs. Tregelles' efforts paralleled those of other textual critics like Karl Lachmann, and his work contributed significantly to the field, influencing later biblical translations and scholarship. His approach involved extensive travel across Europe to collate manuscripts firsthand, enhancing the accuracy and authority of his Greek text.

Tregelles' Greek New Testament, originally published by Samuel Bagster and Sons (1857–1859), is based on a transcription from mrgreekgeek's GitHub repository. The transcription is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/).

Tyndale Bible

William Tyndale's translation of the Bible, conducted between 1522 and 1535, was the first English Bible translated directly from Hebrew and Greek texts. Tyndale relied heavily on Erasmus's Greek New Testament and Luther's German Bible, alongside the Latin Vulgate and Complutensian Polyglot. His work included the New Testament, the Pentateuch, and some historical books of the Old Testament, forming the basis for the Matthew Bible and influencing later translations, including the King James Version. Tyndale's translation favored clarity and accessibility, setting a precedent for future English translations.

Westcott-Hort (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη – τῶν Οὐέστκοτ καὶ Χορτ)

The Westcott-Hort Greek New Testament, first published in 1881, represents a significant edition of the New Testament text, often referred to as "WH" or "WHNU". Compiled by scholars Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort, this critical text was constructed from some of the oldest available fragments and manuscripts, particularly emphasizing Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus. They advocated for a 'Neutral text' type, which they considered the closest to the original texts, contrary to the then-popular Byzantine text-type underpinning the Textus Receptus.

This edition of the Greek New Testament follows the text of Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort, originally published in 1881. As a public domain text, it may be freely used and distributed.

Webster's Revision

Noah Webster’s 1833 revision of the King James Version, also known as the Webster Bible, is a subtle yet significant update aimed at modernizing and clarifying archaic language and grammar. Webster, renowned as a lexicographer, made changes such as replacing "wherefore" with "why," and "Holy Ghost" with "Holy Spirit" to reflect contemporary usage and reduce misunderstandings among common readers. He introduced more Americanized spellings and modified some terms to be less offensive, such as changing "whore" to "lewd woman." Despite these changes, Webster’s revision remains very close to its source, preserving the style and much of the vocabulary of the original King James Version. This revision was part of Webster’s broader effort to provide an American interpretation of the English language and is notable for its conservative approach to textual modification, focusing mainly on linguistic clarity and accessibility without altering underlying theological concepts.

The Webster Bible is in the public domain. This electronic edition, first released in February 1992, was prepared by volunteers with the Bible Foundation, based on the 1833 edition published by Durrie & Peck in New Haven. Special thanks to the Bible Foundation for scanning the text and to the volunteers who contributed to making this digital version widely available. Thanks also to The Word Books for providing this edition through TheWord.net. For the latest, most accurate version, visit the Bible Foundation BBS.

Korean Revised Version (개역한글판 성경)

Korean Revised Version (KRV), initially published in 1952 and revised in 1961 by the Korean Bible Society, is a significant Protestant Bible translation in Korea. This version was a revision of the 1938 "Seonggyeong Gaeyeok" Bible, adjusted according to the Korean orthographic standard "Hangul Matchumbeop Tongilan" and underwent further textual improvements. While the KRV retains the formal sentence structures and older Korean language, which can be challenging for younger readers, it remains a respected text in Korean Protestant circles. This version is in the public domain, making it freely accessible for use and distribution.

The Korean Revised Version (KRV) is in the public domain.

Sixto-Clementine Vulgate (Vulgata Sixto-Clementina)

The Sixto-Clementine Vulgate, published under Pope Clement VIII in 1592, is the standardized Latin edition of the Bible that served as the official Catholic Bible for over 350 years. Its creation was initiated by Pope Sixtus V, whose 1590 edition was withdrawn due to errors. Revised under Clement VIII, the Sixto-Clementine Vulgate was affirmed by the Council of Trent as the authoritative text for the Catholic Church. Also known as Biblia Sacra Juxta Vulgatam Clementinam, this edition was published in 1592, with subsequent editions in 1593 and 1598. It had a lasting influence on later translations, including the Douay-Rheims Bible, and played a crucial role in shaping Catholic biblical scholarship for centuries.

The Sixto-Clementine Vulgate (VulgClem) is in the public domain. This digital edition was compiled by Rodrigo Samy and sourced from the VulSearch Project, with adaptations for TheWord.net. Special thanks to the Clementine Text Project contributors for their work on the text.

Weymouth New Testament

The Weymouth New Testament (WNT), also known as The New Testament in Modern Speech, is a translation of the New Testament into contemporary English as spoken in the late nineteenth century. It was created by Richard Francis Weymouth, a noted biblical scholar, based on The Resultant Greek Testament, which he compiled from critical Greek texts by Stephens (1550), Lachmann, Tregelles, Tischendorf, Lightfoot, Ellicott, Alford, Weiss, the Bâle edition (1880), Westcott and Hort, and the London Revision Committee. Weymouth's aim was to present how the inspired authors of the New Testament might have conveyed their message in modern English. Following his death in 1902, the translation was finalized and published in 1903 by his colleague, Reverend Ernest Hampden-Cook. It has undergone several revisions, including updates in 1904, 1909, 1913, 1924, and 1929. The WNT is valued for its clear, accessible language and its effort to minimize ecclesiastical or doctrinal bias, making it a widely respected resource for both scholars and general readers.

The Weymouth New Testament is in the public domain.

King James Version (1769)

The 1769 edition of the King James Bible, also known as the Oxford Standard, is a refined version of the 1611 text with modernized spelling, standardized punctuation, and corrected typographical errors. While the translation remains unchanged, these updates improve readability without altering the meaning, making it more accessible for contemporary readers. Common spellings like “favor” replace archaic forms such as “fauour”, and punctuation is applied more consistently. This edition, now public domain in most regions but still under Crown copyright in the UK, became the most widely distributed version of the KJV and remains a popular choice for study and worship today.

Text from the King James Version (1769), public domain outside the United Kingdom. Crown copyright applies within the UK.

Russian Synodal Version (Синодальный перевод)

The Russian Synodal Bible is a pivotal non-Church Slavonic translation extensively used by the Russian Orthodox Church, along with Catholic and Protestant communities in Russia. Originating between 1813 and 1876, this translation was commissioned by Czar Alexander I and later completed under Alexander II. Its New Testament, first published in 1820, integrates earlier translation efforts with minimal revisions, while the Old Testament translation, completed in 1876, is based on the Jewish Masoretic Text. This approach marked a significant shift towards using original texts in Biblical scholarship within Russia. Despite linguistic updates over the years, the Synodal Bible retains much of the vocabulary and style of the traditional Church Slavonic translations, influencing both religious practice and Russian literary language. Notable editions followed in 1917, 1956, and more recently in 2000 and 2008, reflecting orthographic modernizations and digital publication efforts by the Moscow Patriarchate. This version is distinguished by its historical depth and its role in shaping the Russian linguistic and theological landscape.

The Russian Synodal Bible is in the public domain

Ralhfs' 1935 Septuagint (LXX) (Ἡ Παλαιὰ Διαθήκη κατὰ τοὺς Ἑβδομήκοντα – τοῦ Ῥάλφς)

Alfred Rahlfs' 1935 edition of the Septuagint, published by the Württemberg Bible Society, is a foundational text in Septuagint studies. This semi-critical edition offers an eclectic Greek text based on key manuscripts, including Codex Vaticanus, Codex Alexandrinus, and Codex Sinaiticus. While it lacks an extensive critical apparatus, Rahlfs' focus on readability and coherence has made this edition a widely used resource in both academic and religious contexts. Its enduring significance lies in its balance of accessibility and scholarly precision, serving as a cornerstone for modern Septuagint research and translations.

Based on the text of Alfred Rahlfs' Septuagint, first published in 1935 by the Württemberg Bible Society, as made available by Costas Stergiou for TheWord.net.

Swete-Cambridge Septuagint (LXX) (Ἡ Παλαιὰ Διαθήκη κατὰ τοὺς Ἑβδομήκοντα – τοῦ Σουήτ)

The Swete-Cambridge Septuagint (LXX), developed between 1887 and 1930, is a foundational diplomatic edition of the Greek Old Testament that profoundly shaped modern biblical scholarship. Initially prepared by Henry Barclay Swete, with major contributions from Alan England Brooke and Norman McLean beginning in 1906, the text is primarily based on Codex Vaticanus (B), supplemented by Codices Alexandrinus (A) and Sinaiticus (S), along with additional manuscript evidence. First published in 1909 and reprinted in 1930, the edition is celebrated for its rigorous critical apparatus, minimal conjectural emendation, and methodical presentation of textual variants. It remains an indispensable resource for students, translators, and researchers of the Septuagint.

Based on the public domain text of The Old Testament in Greek According to the Septuagint edited by Henry Barclay Swete, D.D. (Cambridge University Press, 1909-1930), with modifications for versification and formatting by Panagiotis Peponakis and adapted for digital use in theWord Bible software. Courtesy of Bible Hub (Eliran Wong) under GNU General Public License v3.0.

Ivan Ogienko Ukrainian Bible (1930) (Біблія Огієнка)

The Ivan Ohienko Ukrainian Bible (1930) is a historically significant translation of the Bible into Ukrainian, renowned for its linguistic accuracy and literary quality. While the translation was completed in 1940 and first fully published in 1962, the "1930" label reflects the pivotal decade when Ohienko's work gained momentum, including the publication of the Four Gospels (1937) and the Psalter (1939). This version remains one of the most widely distributed Ukrainian Bible translations and is now in the public domain.

The Ivan Ohienko Ukrainian Bible (1930) is in the public domain.

The Vamvas Modern Greek Bible (Ἡ Ἁγία Γραφὴ κατὰ τὴν μετάφρασιν Νεοφύτου Βάμβα)

The Vamvas Modern Greek Bible (1844), translated by Neophytos Vamvas, a prominent Greek educator and theologian, rendered the New Testament into Katharevousa, a 'purified' form of Modern Greek. Aimed at accessibility while maintaining linguistic standards, this version was printed in Athens for the British and Foreign Bible Society with contributions from Henry D. Leeves and Christos Nikolaidis Philadelpheus. The initial edition was followed by a stereotyped edition published at Oxford in 1850, becoming widely accepted and serving as a de facto "authorized version" in Greece. Despite its influence, the Greek Orthodox Church condemned Vamvas' translation in 1836 due to its association with Protestant missionary organizations, reliance on the Textus Receptus, and its use of Katharevousa, which was seen as too divergent from traditional Koine Greek.

The Vamvas Modern Greek Bible (1844) is in the public domain.

New International Version

First released in 1978, the New International Version (NIV) was created by a trans-denominational team of scholars using the best available manuscripts in the original languages. Aimed at a balance of accuracy and readability, the NIV underwent a significant revision in 2011 to reflect contemporary language and the latest scholarly research. This version seeks to offer a clear and fresh experience of the ancient texts for modern readers.

HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide. The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. Inc. The “NVI”, “Biblica”, and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.

New American Standard Bible (2020)

The New American Standard Bible (NASB), completed in 1971, closely follows the ASV's formal equivalence approach, striving for literal accuracy in translation from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. It is favored for its precision in conveying the structure and vocabulary of the original languages, making it a preferred choice for many scholars and serious Bible students who appreciate its adherence to the wording and grammatical structure of the source texts.

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit www.lockman.org

Statistical Restoration Greek New Testament (Ἡ Καινὴ Διαθήκη κατὰ τὴν Στατιστικὴν Ἀποκατάστασιν)

The Statistical Restoration (SR) is a computer-generated Greek New Testament designed to reflect the most probable text based on statistical analysis using the earliest manuscript evidence with a reasoned eclecticism approach. This represents a fundamental paradigm shift in the field of textual criticism where subjectivity and theological bias of human editors is replaced with more objective statistical and computational methods guided by the principles of Scientific Textual Criticism. An article about its creation was published in TC: A Journal of Biblical Textual Criticism. The SR is released under a Creative Commons open license (CC BY 4.0) and is available as a free download in several formats from GitHub.

Statistical Restoration Greek New Testament, edited by Alan Bunning, Center for New Testament Restoration, 2022. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Westminster Leningrad Codex (כתב יד לנינגרד)

The Westminster Leningrad Codex is the oldest complete manuscript of the Hebrew Bible using the Masoretic Text and Tiberian vocalization, dating to 1008 CE. Created in Cairo and preserved at the National Library of Russia, this codex is renowned for its meticulous transcription and detailed masoretic notes, despite some textual inconsistencies. The Leningrad Codex has significantly influenced modern biblical scholarship, serving as the primary text for Biblia Hebraica, 1937, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, 1977, and Biblia Hebraica Quinta, 2004–present.

Brenton's English Septuagint (LXX)

Brenton's English Translation of the Septuagint, originally published in 1844 by Samuel Bagster & Sons in London, is an influential English rendition of the Greek Septuagint by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton. The translation incorporates the Apocrypha in editions post-1851 and was available with parallel Greek text by 1870. It leverages the Codex Vaticanus as its primary source.

Brenton's English Septuagint (1844) is in the public domain.